The TT Football Club

Other than City, Chelsea is probably the team at which this isn't true. Red Rom will likely bank roll the team as do City's owners.

Not bitter at all but Red Rom has never had economic success as a cornerstone of what he's trying to acheive. If I had his $, I might not either

Well done Chelsea yesterday-they came to play and deserved the result.

RvP has officially run out of gas. He did the same for us last year and the goals dried up. The last two months, he was running on fumes. How different Utd looked yesterday to the side that was so dynamic in the first leg.

Both Nani and Valencia looked if they've packed on some pounds and it's def made them less effective. Not sure if they tried to bulk up for strength or its just too many mince pies (picture Nani with a pie in his mouth). Nani was horrible yesterday, giving the ball away everywhere.

Hard to believe Mata can't get on the field for Spain, that guy is quality!

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We did play well yesterday, the big 3 got alot of praise, but I don't think any of them were at their best. Mata has been ill this week, but still managed to decide the game, which is a sign of just how much class he has. I agree about it being strange he doesn't play much for Spain. Silva and Cazorla seem to get more playing time, they're great players, but Mata is the best of the 3 imo.

As for missing the Champions League not being huge because of the Abramovich money, i'm not so sure about that one! Cavani and Falcao will be offered £200,000 a week from Madrid, City and Chelsea, being the only club not in the Champions League means we will miss out. Will Lewandowski leave Dortmund for a team not in the Champions League, when he could go to Juventus or Man Utd? These are problems. Same for Mourinho, an open cheque book at PSG and a run at another European Cup, or coming back to Chelsea and a Thursday game away to some Slovakian side? It's an easy choice.

Was just listening to David Ginola and Frank LeBeuf giving some interesting thoughts on Mourinho and why he SHOULDN'T go back to Chelsea and should go to PSG, and I agree...

There would be everything to lose if he goes back to CFC where he was massively successful previously, and where anticipation and expectation would now correspond to a very high degree; PSG would represent something utterly fresh, new and exciting; he'd have mega-funds (not of course that he wouldn't at the Bridge) to bring in Ronaldo, Rooney, whoever; he wouldn't have to deal with Roman A; he'd still have the opportunity to manage Man U in the future, etc.

I could very well be proved completely wrong, but I reckon if PSG indeed fail to proceed in the CL after next leg VS Barca, that increases the possibility of Jose finding Paris a really enticing proposition. It does seem to have been often demonstrated in the past that it rarely work out for past successful coaches returning and seeking to emulate previous success with their old clubs.

Zinedine Zidane has claimed that Gareth Bale is not far behind the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Messi and Ronaldo are widely regarded as the best two players on the planet, and the legendary Zidane thinks that the Tottenham Hotspur winger is getting closer to the standard set by the Liga pair.

"The problem is this year the player who has impressed me most is not actually playing in the Champions League," Zidane is quoted as saying in The Mirror.

"He is playing in 'the other cup' (Europa League), and that is Bale. He's perhaps not quite at the level of the other two, but he's different. So personally I don't think he's far off.

"You can't compare him. He's unique, he makes things look easy, his pace is frightening. His acceleration is unbelievable because of his ability to go through the gears in very little space. Plus he is very good technically, which is also very important. We must not forget that he plays football very well."

Bale will be part of the Spurs squad to play Swiss champions Basel in the Europa League on Thursday.

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Seriously, Spurs have to keep hold of Bale for a year or two longer - with him there it of course elevates us massively, and along with a few signings for next season, AVB could have the makings of a team capable of actually challenging for the PL itself and competing at the highest end of the CL.

Given Zidane's (one of my all-time fav ever players) connections to Real, and given the attention such comments are sure to garner in Spain, this is worrying.:cry:

Touche! Following the well established route of all the very best recent talent at the Emirates, I can just see Wilshire a year or two hence, fitting in just great at City, or Utd, one of the Spanish clubs, etc.

When I tuned in beckham was knackered. How did I do? His game should suit a long career, like pirlo. He may have lost some sharpness of thought. This is something that I often notice in players past their prime.

When I tuned in beckham was knackered. How did I do? His game should suit a long career, like pirlo. He may have lost some sharpness of thought. This is something that I often notice in players past their prime.

When I tuned in beckham was knackered. How did I do? His game should suit a long career, like pirlo. He may have lost some sharpness of thought. This is something that I often notice in players past their prime.

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Certainly surprised me. For the first 30 minutes I thought he was instrumental in PSG's good start. Nice passing, knew his role, very solid, good presence about him. All in all, pretty impressive, and TBH I'd not only written him off somewhat - I'd written him off YEARS ago.

Was just listening to David Ginola and Frank LeBeuf giving some interesting thoughts on Mourinho and why he SHOULDN'T go back to Chelsea and should go to PSG, and I agree...

There would be everything to lose if he goes back to CFC where he was massively successful previously, and where anticipation and expectation would now correspond to a very high degree; PSG would represent something utterly fresh, new and exciting; he'd have mega-funds (not of course that he wouldn't at the Bridge) to bring in Ronaldo, Rooney, whoever; he wouldn't have to deal with Roman A; he'd still have the opportunity to manage Man U in the future, etc.

I could very well be proved completely wrong, but I reckon if PSG indeed fail to proceed in the CL after next leg VS Barca, that increases the possibility of Jose finding Paris a really enticing proposition. It does seem to have been often demonstrated in the past that it rarely work out for past successful coaches returning and seeking to emulate previous success with their old clubs.

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I think they miss the point. Mourinho has been a manager for nearly 15 years, managing various clubs in many different Countries. He always refers to Chelsea as "we", it's the club that's left the biggest impression on him and London is where he and his family feel at home.

We've all had jobs at places we didn't particularly like, after the fairly poor relationship he has had at times with the fans, media and players at Madrid, it seems like he wants to be in an environment where he is happy and loved again. Who wouldn't want that?

They are saying he will come back even if we don't make the Champions League, building a team, then regenrating it like Ferguson has done over the years is something he has always said he wants to do. Where better to do it than at the club he loves.

Let's not forget London is where he was happiest with his family too, they love it here, that counts for alot. His daughter is starting university in September in London too, he wants to be near her.

At the end of the day, going to France and trying to do it all over again from scratch might not appeal. As I said, he's been a manager for 15 years, he's managed in the top 3 leagues, he's 50 years old. Maybe it's time for him to come "home" as he likes to call it.

Red Rom is unstable at best when it comes to longevity-just look at what Chelsea have done since Jose left and what Jose accomplished with Real and Inter. Chelsea needs Jose more than he needs them.

It will be convenient if he does come back-since Terry will be leaving shortly, I'll need a new figure to hate at Chelsea
I always had an easier time dealing with Jose's BS when he was far away in Italy or Spain as opposed to seeing it in the papers everyday.

I'd like to see him at City, that would really get things spicy for all of us. With City's budget, he'd likely go on a title winning run that would send Fergie into retirement.

Red Rom is unstable at best when it comes to longevity-just look at what Chelsea have done since Jose left and what Jose accomplished with Real and Inter. Chelsea needs Jose more than he needs them.

It will be convenient if he does come back-since Terry will be leaving shortly, I'll need a new figure to hate at Chelsea
I always had an easier time dealing with Jose's BS when he was far away in Italy or Spain as opposed to seeing it in the papers everyday.

I'd like to see him at City, that would really get things spicy for all of us. With City's budget, he'd likely go on a title winning run that would send Fergie into retirement.

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I think Chelsea and Mourinho both need each other, at this time more than ever.

Abramovich seems to be realising that he needs a manager who will stay for the long term, it was supposed to be AVB, but the players put an end to that one. Di Matteo was never his first choice, whilst the less said about Benitez the better! I think the owner just wants to clear the decks of Terry, Lampard and Cech eventually. That will give the manager a free run at really changing things.

The key to knowing the true intentions of Abramovich is if he gets rid of Emanelo, he's the one who sticks his nose in with managers and team affairs. If he goes then the new manager will have full control.

When I tuned in beckham was knackered. How did I do? His game should suit a long career, like pirlo. He may have lost some sharpness of thought. This is something that I often notice in players past their prime.

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Did you tune in after 20 minutes:?

Honestly Beckham is an absolute joke now. After 20 mins he stood just outside the penalty area lolloping around, playing (accurate it must be said) long balls. Whenever he did run after someone they got away, and he was eventually booked for fouling.

Oh, and yes, as soon as he went off PSG scored 2 goals. If they had started without Beckham, I think they would have won, they looked good.

Honestly Beckham is an absolute joke now. After 20 mins he stood just outside the penalty area lolloping around, playing (accurate it must be said) long balls. Whenever he did run after someone they got away, and he was eventually booked for fouling.

Oh, and yes, as soon as he went off PSG scored 2 goals. If they had started without Beckham, I think they would have won, they looked good.

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If i'm honest, i've never really got the appeal of David Beckham. As a player, he was never anything special. Kanchelskis was the right winger when I was a kid, then Beckham, then Ronaldo. Of the 3, i'd say Beckham was the most limited.

That Man Utd team of the mid '90's was incredible, with the likes of Scholes, Keane, Schmeichel, Neville, Giggs, Cantona etc.. it's strange to think how it's Beckham who is the one held in such high regard around the world.

That Man Utd team of the mid '90's was incredible, with the likes of Scholes, Keane, Schmeichel, Neville, Giggs, Cantona etc.. it's strange to think how it's Beckham who is the one held in such high regard around the world.

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I think the difference is that Beckham left and has won Championships (not that the MLS is really a championship but La Liga is) everywhere that he's gone. The rest all flourished at Manchester but never plied their trade elsewhere (later on). How good would Giggs have been in Italy when Inter was looking at him in 2002? Would the Inter manager have used the patient approach that Fergie has to maximize his later years?

He's certainly accomplished much more than say Steven Gerrard ever did at Liverpool.

You just never know when you move abroad to play: Michael Owen anyone? that ultimately is the risk for Bale I think.

I also realize that I'm viewing him from an American perspective.

Most Brits seem to hate him and I can understand that but to me, he's a typical American sports star in his approach to life so he doesn't seem different.

I think the difference is that Beckham left and has won Championships (not that the MLS is really a championship but La Liga is) everywhere that he's gone. The rest all flourished at Manchester but never plied their trade elsewhere (later on). How good would Giggs have been in Italy when Inter was looking at him in 2002? Would the Inter manager have used the patient approach that Fergie has to maximize his later years?

He's certainly accomplished much more than say Steven Gerrard ever did at Liverpool.

You just never know when you move abroad to play: Michael Owen anyone? that ultimately is the risk for Bale I think.

I also realize that I'm viewing him from an American perspective.

Most Brits seem to hate him and I can understand that but to me, he's a typical American sports star in his approach to life so he doesn't seem different.

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I think you're right there, his popularity probably has more to do with what he does off the pitch. His famous wife, his sponsorship deals etc.. He's more of a celebrity these days, PSG only really got him to sell shirts, which he said he was ok with. I can't really imagine many serious players being comfortable with that. Can you imagine a Scholes, Giggs, Lampard, anyone really, going somewhere to sell shirts?

As for the dangers of going abroad, you mentioned Bale. I'm torn on that one, i'd hate to see him leave the Premier League as he brings so much to our league. Can you imagine seeing him in La Liga though? Tearing it up like Messi or Ronaldo. To see one of our own going to Spain and dominating would be pretty special

He can't really lose in going, if it doesn't work out he will have plenty of teams wanting to bring him back. It didn't work out for Lineker and Hughes making the move, but they came back to England and had great careers with Spurs, Man Utd and Chelsea.

I think if it's something he wants to do, he should do it now whilst he's at his peak. It's a big opportunity, he might as well give himself the best chance of making it work and giving it a good go.

It's also worth noting that when England play the long-ball-hoof-it-forward game, he's the best there is at providing that said long ball. His aerial passing and freekicks are still second to none. England spent ages perfecting the long ball tactic, and Beckham is to show for it. He's the epitome of what England have been doing internationally for the past 30 years.

I do admire his professionalism, though. Whenever he plays for England, you can tell he's not only giving it his all, but that he actually wants to be there. I can't say that for practically anyone else who's suited up for England since I've started watching football. (see Ferdinand, Rio)

With that being said, he wasn't signed JUST to sell shirts, he could actually be X factor when they play away to Barcelona....think about it, he'll sit really deep, help defend as best he can, and when there's an opportunity to hit Barcelona on the break (because if you're not Real Madrid, chances are you don't have the talent to take the game to them), he's got the accuracy to drop a 60 yard pass to Zlatan who will do the rest of the work. Yeah it's not pretty but if it gets the job done then it gets the job done.

It's also worth noting that when England play the long-ball-hoof-it-forward game, he's the best there is at providing that said long ball. His aerial passing and freekicks are still second to none. England spent ages perfecting the long ball tactic, and Beckham is to show for it. He's the epitome of what England have been doing internationally for the past 30 years.

I do admire his professionalism, though. Whenever he plays for England, you can tell he's not only giving it his all, but that he actually wants to be there. I can't say that for practically anyone else who's suited up for England since I've started watching football. (see Ferdinand, Rio)

With that being said, he wasn't signed JUST to sell shirts, he could actually be X factor when they play away to Barcelona....think about it, he'll sit really deep, help defend as best he can, and when there's an opportunity to hit Barcelona on the break (because if you're not Real Madrid, chances are you don't have the talent to take the game to them), he's got the accuracy to drop a 60 yard pass to Zlatan who will do the rest of the work. Yeah it's not pretty but if it gets the job done then it gets the job done.

It's also worth noting that when England play the long-ball-hoof-it-forward game, he's the best there is at providing that said long ball. His aerial passing and freekicks are still second to none. England spent ages perfecting the long ball tactic, and Beckham is to show for it. He's the epitome of what England have been doing internationally for the past 30 years.

I do admire his professionalism, though. Whenever he plays for England, you can tell he's not only giving it his all, but that he actually wants to be there. I can't say that for practically anyone else who's suited up for England since I've started watching football. (see Ferdinand, Rio)

With that being said, he wasn't signed JUST to sell shirts, he could actually be X factor when they play away to Barcelona....think about it, he'll sit really deep, help defend as best he can, and when there's an opportunity to hit Barcelona on the break (because if you're not Real Madrid, chances are you don't have the talent to take the game to them), he's got the accuracy to drop a 60 yard pass to Zlatan who will do the rest of the work. Yeah it's not pretty but if it gets the job done then it gets the job done.

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Agree (though quite how effective he is now, hmm, not sure - but he was indeed good in that first 20-30 mins the other night.)

Great player when young (though certainly not better than Scholes, Giggs, etc, in their heyday.) He became very annoying as the hype and 'brand Beckham' took over. But I like his work values and attitude. He held his own at Real. Gave it his all and saw it out in the US. And that he's tried to compete in Serie A and now in France should be applauded.

I also think he's a genuinely decent bloke. I know for a fact he sets aside a lot of time for charity and community work and have had first-hand confirmation of this with people I know connected with the Arsenal In The Community programme. He his held in high regard there.

I think the difference is that Beckham left and has won Championships (not that the MLS is really a championship but La Liga is) everywhere that he's gone. The rest all flourished at Manchester but never plied their trade elsewhere (later on). How good would Giggs have been in Italy when Inter was looking at him in 2002? Would the Inter manager have used the patient approach that Fergie has to maximize his later years?

He's certainly accomplished much more than say Steven Gerrard ever did at Liverpool.

You just never know when you move abroad to play: Michael Owen anyone? that ultimately is the risk for Bale I think.

I also realize that I'm viewing him from an American perspective.

Most Brits seem to hate him and I can understand that but to me, he's a typical American sports star in his approach to life so he doesn't seem different.

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Beckham may have more money and more trophies yes. But Gerrard is by far the better player. He has been loyal to his club and by playing brilliantly in many games has won important trophies for Liverpool. So I would say Gerrard has accomplished more in terms of playing brilliant football for Liverpool than Beckham did for ManUtd.

Also if the England team had been built around Gerrard instead of Beckham, I am sure England would have at least got to a final of a major Cup competition. Look at what Beckham is most famous for, scoring a freekick against Greece after at least 10 attempts. If Gerrard had been allowed to take one, I promise you he would have scored quicker.

It's also worth noting that when England play the long-ball-hoof-it-forward game, he's the best there is at providing that said long ball. His aerial passing and freekicks are still second to none. England spent ages perfecting the long ball tactic, and Beckham is to show for it. He's the epitome of what England have been doing internationally for the past 30 years.

I do admire his professionalism, though. Whenever he plays for England, you can tell he's not only giving it his all, but that he actually wants to be there. I can't say that for practically anyone else who's suited up for England since I've started watching football. (see Ferdinand, Rio)

With that being said, he wasn't signed JUST to sell shirts, he could actually be X factor when they play away to Barcelona....think about it, he'll sit really deep, help defend as best he can, and when there's an opportunity to hit Barcelona on the break (because if you're not Real Madrid, chances are you don't have the talent to take the game to them), he's got the accuracy to drop a 60 yard pass to Zlatan who will do the rest of the work. Yeah it's not pretty but if it gets the job done then it gets the job done.

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The highlighted bit I agree with. And he definitely cares about playing for his country as opposed to Rio, but apart from that I completely disagree.

Did you actually see the PSG game? This is what I said on the previous page, and the majority of people who understand football agree with me.
"Honestly Beckham is an absolute joke now. After 20 mins he stood just outside the penalty area lolloping around, playing (accurate it must be said) long balls. Whenever he did run after someone they got away, and he was eventually booked for fouling.

Oh, and yes, as soon as he went off PSG scored 2 goals. If they had started without Beckham, I think they would have won, they looked good."

Q. What is all this about CFC having no squad depth etc when in fact you've plenty of players, you just loaned them all out or otherwise got rid of them?!

To name a handful: DeBruyn, Chalobah, Kakuta, Essien, and - uppermost in my mind - MacEachern (this kid was so good when he first came through I find it hard to fathom just what occurred here, he should be rivalling, or trying to rival Wilshire and making a name for himself at the Bridge, shouldn't he? )...

Anyhow, was it wise to dispense with such players? I wish we had them at Tottenham!

I think the difference is that Beckham left and has won Championships (not that the MLS is really a championship but La Liga is) everywhere that he's gone. The rest all flourished at Manchester but never plied their trade elsewhere (later on).

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He won one trophy at Madrid. And while he was in LA, Scholes and Giggs won an armful of Premier League titles and the Champions League while remaining fixtures in the first XI.

Q. What is all this about CFC having no squad depth etc when in fact you've plenty of players, you just loaned them all out or otherwise got rid of them?!

To name a handful: DeBruyn, Chalobah, Kakuta, Essien, and - uppermost in my mind - MacEachern (this kid was so good when he first came through I find it hard to fathom just what occurred here, he should be rivalling, or trying to rival Wilshire and making a name for himself at the Bridge, shouldn't he? )...

Anyhow, was it wise to dispense with such players? I wish we had them at Tottenham!

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I don't think the lack of depth is that big of a problem, in defence we are doing well, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Luiz are a great group of centre backs. Cole and Bertrand (who was excellent tonight) are a solid left back pairing, Azpilicueta (who's had a great first season and been a pleasant surprise) has taken over from Ivanovic.

Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Benayoun, Marin and Moses is more than enough, numbers wise, for the attacking midfield/wide positions. Torres and Ba is working out ok, they seem to play one game then rest whilst the other comes in.

The midfield depth is certainly an issue, Mikel, Lampard and Ramires to fill two positions every game just isn't enough. I agree Essien probably shouldn't of gone out on loan, that was a strange one.

De Bruyne wouldn't of got much playing time, even with all the games we have to play, he's doing very well in Germany so sending him on loan looks like being a great decision. Same for Chalobah and all the centre backs we have, he wouldn't of played, but the experience at Watford has been very valuable. As for McEachran, I think he just got hyped up because of the type of player he is (one of those little Barcelona types), the problem is, he just isn't very good at it

The best players in that position make the game look so easy, the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Pirlo etc.. If you aren't up to the standard required to play that style, it can be very obvious as there are no hiding places. Nothing would please me more to have that kind of player come through our youth system, there could be one coming through now, but it's not McEachran.

All credit to Basle who surprised and impressed. Liked how they played. Really went after the ball, hustled and pressed. Incisive, fast and dangerous. Excellent fast little technical players. Stocker and Sahla looked superb. That I can't quite pinpoint exactly just how good the Swiss team are is due to one small thing... Spurs were absolutely woeful. :evil:

The stand out performance in terms of being the worst example was Gallas. As soon as I saw he was playing I feared the worst. Most THFC fans have felt for a long time that Gallas is a liability, an accident waiting to happen. He was dire.

Dembele and maybe Holtby and Siggi (both playing in not their preferred positions) apart, we were very poor. Ade was his usual waste of space self. Parker has probably earned himself a new nickname among the Spurs faithful to Paul "miss of the season" Parker. Assou-Ekkoto was toasted time and again. Bale and Verts (playing in not his best position) both had off days.

Well, Arsenal etc must be licking their lips at the piling of pressure that has alighted on AVB and Spurs, especially Bale's injury. Yesterday though, before that incident, it was evident that the lack of depth and talent, and the resultant rejigging utilising players in weird positions (Holtby, Vertonghen, Siggi) and using players like WG who are well past their sell by date, is undoing us. Sandro is also a massive miss with his injury ruined season. Seeing at how we struggled for such long periods against Swansea, and the games prior to that like the Inter fiasco, Liverpool, etc, this is clearly a long-standing issue.

I don't think the lack of depth is that big of a problem, in defence we are doing well, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Luiz are a great group of centre backs. Cole and Bertrand (who was excellent tonight) are a solid left back pairing, Azpilicueta (who's had a great first season and been a pleasant surprise) has taken over from Ivanovic.

Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Benayoun, Marin and Moses is more than enough, numbers wise, for the attacking midfield/wide positions. Torres and Ba is working out ok, they seem to play one game then rest whilst the other comes in.

The midfield depth is certainly an issue, Mikel, Lampard and Ramires to fill two positions every game just isn't enough. I agree Essien probably shouldn't of gone out on loan, that was a strange one.

De Bruyne wouldn't of got much playing time, even with all the games we have to play, he's doing very well in Germany so sending him on loan looks like being a great decision. Same for Chalobah and all the centre backs we have, he wouldn't of played, but the experience at Watford has been very valuable. As for McEachran, I think he just got hyped up because of the type of player he is (one of those little Barcelona types), the problem is, he just isn't very good at it

The best players in that position make the game look so easy, the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Pirlo etc.. If you aren't up to the standard required to play that style, it can be very obvious as there are no hiding places. Nothing would please me more to have that kind of player come through our youth system, there could be one coming through now, but it's not McEachran.

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Okay, F, put like that, I suppose you might have a point or two. :lol:

Okay, F, put like that, I suppose you might have a point or two. :lol:

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Haha, I wish McEachran was the answer! Players of quality in his position don't grow on trees, even getting them through the transfer market is very costly and they are always in demand. We saw with Modric (who is good, but there are certainly better examples of him out there), teams like City, Chelsea, Utd and Madrid were all fighting over him, his price was £45 Million at the peak of the interest in him, it's crazy.

Hopefully Lewis Baker in the youth team is the one to come through, people describe him as being similar to Iniesta and Cazorla. When i've seen him, he reminds me more of Marchisio. Both are converted strikers into central midfielders, so maybe that's why.

As for Basel last night, it didn't surprise me they got a good result last night. They have had a good few seasons in the Champions League in the recent past, although that inevitably lead to them selling two of their best players (Shaqiri and Xhaka). It will be interesting to see the away leg, at least with Chelsea kicking off in Russia at 5, i'll be able to see Spurs on after i'm not liking all the games being on at the same time!

Haha, I wish McEachran was the answer! Players of quality in his position don't grow on trees, even getting them through the transfer market is very costly and they are always in demand. We saw with Modric (who is good, but there are certainly better examples of him out there), teams like City, Chelsea, Utd and Madrid were all fighting over him, his price was £45 Million at the peak of the interest in him, it's crazy.

Hopefully Lewis Baker in the youth team is the one to come through, people describe him as being similar to Iniesta and Cazorla. When i've seen him, he reminds me more of Marchisio. Both are converted strikers into central midfielders, so maybe that's why.

As for Basel last night, it didn't surprise me they got a good result last night. They have had a good few seasons in the Champions League in the recent past, although that inevitably lead to them selling two of their best players (Shaqiri and Xhaka). It will be interesting to see the away leg, at least with Chelsea kicking off in Russia at 5, i'll be able to see Spurs on after i'm not liking all the games being on at the same time!

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The huge irony for me was that Basle were playing exactly as I think AVB wants us to play but can't yet as we don't have the players - i.e., high pressing game, dynamic attacking play coming from many angles, etc.

It'll be interesting to see how the premature conclusion to the title race will impact the chase for the CL places.

Spurs play City on the 5th last match day (with United already 5 wins + GD ahead), Arsenal play United on the 4th last match day, and Chelsea play United on the 3rd last match day.

From a gooner's perspective, the perfect situation would be for City to beat United on Monday, so that City still have something to play for against Spurs, and it will mean United won't want to lose at home to Chelsea on the day they are presented the PL trophy (if they beat City, the presentation will probably be at their prior home game against Villa).

Everton are definitely not out of it. They're only around 4 point off the pace (if they and Chelsea win games in hand), and have games against the three teams they are chasing (all away, though).

Berty Martinez and Wigan could well have a say now that they've resumed their championship form, having to play both Spurs and Arsenal.

Shaping up to be exciting to the last, though. Spurs really have to win tomorrow against Everton, seeing as they have City and Chelsea to follow.

I hadn't thought about that, the title being over early could be huge in the chase for 3rd and 4th. City in the FA Cup could be important too, if they beat Chelsea next weekend and the title is over, their focus will go towards winning that. They could be playing weakened teams over the closing League games.

Chelsea will obviously want to beat City to get through to the FA Cup final, it might be important to our chances of getting a top 4 spot too. No extra pressure there then

We have indeed! Arsenal and Chelsea usually turn it on at this time of the year, Chelsea have done to win the title, the Champions League, get top 4 and it's probably why we do so well in the FA Cup. Arsenal did it last year to finish 3rd, whilst Spurs, who have probably been the best out of the 3 for most of the season, now have all the pressure on them.

It's funny how it works out I still think there are more than a few twists and turns left though, you watch Di Canio inspire Sunderland this afternoon, for instance!

While we have often been absolutely hopeless this year, he has earned the right to be judged at the end of a season (however poorly we do). If we finish in the top four, then he has met his mandate and reasonable expectations (i.e we have the fourth largest wage bill by a distance). If we don't finish in the top four this season, questions need to be asked as to his methods.

I really do think that the club (I suppose I mean the board, seeing as it's difficult to think of Arsenal as being a separate entity from Wenger at any level) have to demand of him that the training of the defence gets sorted out. The embarrassing lack of even basic organisation has gone on for at least 6 or 7 years now, and has got progressively worse every year. What has encouraged me is that there have been signs of the issue at least being responded to since the first leg at Bayern (though of course we haven't faced as strong opposition since). We'll see against Everton and United whether there's any substance to this (our record this year against teams currently in top six is P8 W1 D2 L5).

I don't think any Arsenal fan wants to see the back of Wenger. It has just been so frustrating to see such a talented manager consistently put out teams that clearly weren't properly trained in defending. It's difficult to see it as anything other than mismanagement when you concede the same cheap goals over and over, and when experienced players that have looked composed within other systems come to Arsenal and routinely end up looking like clueless, headless chickens. If you lose a few of your best players, then a manager needs to try and offset that in some way, by training your team to be a little more tactically disciplined, or more competitive as a collective unit; Wenger seems to carry on always on a pre-ordained route.

Hopefully we can finish in the top four this year and Arsene actually manages to pay more attention to the importance of defending for the coming years.

While we have often been absolutely hopeless this year, he has earned the right to be judged at the end of a season (however poorly we do). If we finish in the top four, then he has met his mandate and reasonable expectations (i.e we have the fourth largest wage bill by a distance). If we don't finish in the top four this season, questions need to be asked as to his methods.

I really do think that the club (I suppose I mean the board, seeing as it's difficult to think of Arsenal as being a separate entity from Wenger at any level) have to demand of him that the training of the defence gets sorted out. The embarrassing lack of even basic organisation has gone on for at least 6 or 7 years now, and has got progressively worse every year. What has encouraged me is that there have been signs of the issue at least being responded to since the first leg at Bayern (though of course we haven't faced as strong opposition since). We'll see against Everton and United whether there's any substance to this (our record this year against teams currently in top six is P8 W1 D2 L5).

I don't think any Arsenal fan wants to see the back of Wenger. It has just been so frustrating to see such a talented manager consistently put out teams that clearly weren't properly trained in defending. It's difficult to see it as anything other than mismanagement when you concede the same cheap goals over and over, and when experienced players that have looked composed within other systems come to Arsenal and routinely end up looking like clueless, headless chickens. If you lose a few of your best players, then a manager needs to try and offset that in some way, by training your team to be a little more tactically disciplined, or more competitive as a collective unit; Wenger seems to carry on always on a pre-ordained route.

Hopefully we can finish in the top four this year and Arsene actually manages to pay more attention to the importance of defending for the coming years.

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Are you sure about that?

Many Arsenal fans I speak to, and most of the ones on the radio want him to go, whenever Arsenal lose a match, or get knocked out of a cup, and then change their mind when they finish in the top 4 each season lol

A great post by the way, and I agree with most of it. With Arsenal's wage bill, finishing fourth is the best result realistically. Having said that I think they have the fourth biggest wage bill by quite a margin, so arguably should finish 4th anyway. Wenger is a great manager, and when he does eventually leave Arsenal, I doubt they will either play such great football, or get consistently better results, in my opinion.